GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS AND FDI INFLOWS IN GCC WITH REFERENCE TO SAUDI ARABIA: A PATH ANALYSIS APPROACH

محمد, محمود مجدي بربري; أسامه محمد, رانيا

doi:10.21608/psej.2025.384887.1196

	GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS AND FDI INFLOWS IN GCC WITH REFERENCE TO SAUDI ARABIA: A PATH ANALYSIS APPROACH
مجلة الدراسات السياسية والاقتصادية
Volume 5, Issue 1 - Serial Number 9, April 2025, Pages 1165-1194 PDF (1009.09 K)
Document Type: المقالة الأصلية
DOI: 10.21608/psej.2025.384887.1196
Authors
محمود مجدي بربري محمد^* ; رانيا أسامه محمد
قسم الاقتصاد والتجارة الخارجية كلية التجارة وإدارة الأعمال جامعة حلوان
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of global competitiveness factors on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with a focus on Saudi Arabia, during the period 2010-2022. Utilizing a path analysis approach, the research examines the impact of basic requirements, efficiency enhancers, innovation factors, and GDP growth on FDI inflows. The findings reveal that competitiveness efficiency enhancers, particularly infrastructure, market efficiency, and labor market conditions, play a pivotal role in attracting FDI to the GCC region, especially Saudi Arabia. In contrast, basic requirements, innovation factors, and GDP growth, while essential for long-term development, do not independently influence immediate FDI inflows. The study highlights the interaction between different competitiveness factors, noting that basic requirements can amplify the effect of efficiency enhancers, whereas a negative interaction between efficiency enhancers and innovation suggests a potential trade-off. Policymakers are urged to adopt a balanced approach, enhancing infrastructure and labor market efficiency while aligning foundational and innovation policies to sustain long-term FDI growth. The research offers key policy implications, suggesting that a focus on efficiency-driven reforms, combined with strengthening macroeconomic stability and innovation frameworks, will help maximize FDI inflows in the region
Keywords
Global competitiveness; FDI; GDP growth; GCC; Saudi Arabia

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